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I sighed as I silenced the phone, again. We were back at my parents’ house, going over the bank statements.
“Who’s that?” My mother poured another Cosmo. “Pete?” She gave me a concerned look.
“Yep.” I focused my attention back on the bank statements.
“I thought you said you loved him.”
“I know, but I am still mad at him.” Plus, I was embarrassed about the way I acted. I think he was trying to explain but I didn’t let him. I was too clouded with mistrust to see the situation for what it was. “Vance’s statement contains all the usual trip expenses. Flight, hotel, rental car, gas, food.”
“We already went over that.”
“So why would he need to take out so much money from our joint account.” I paced the room as she reclined on the sofa, sipping the colorful drink.
“Maybe, he bought you a new pair of cowboy boots.”
I snorted. “A very expensive pair of boots.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “He never used that account before, and he didn’t buy me boots.” I gave her a pointed look as I resumed my pacing. My phone buzzed with an incoming text message.
Delilah: Call me ASAP
I dialed her number and she picked up on the first ring.
“Is everything ok with Benny?”
“Benny is doing just fine. I took him for ice cream today and he ate my cone. He got vanilla. I had chocolate.”
“Why did you call then?”
“I've got a bit of gossip.”
“Is this really an ASAP matter?”
“Are you coming home soon?”
“I don’t know.”
“The sheriff questioned a couple of people today.” She paused and smacked her gum. “They were seen at Pete’s last night cutting fences." My heart pounded in my chest. “They’d been paid a lot of money to run Pete’s cattle off.”
“Do you know how much money?”
“It was an insane amount.”
My heart dropped and I couldn’t breathe. The room was starting to spin so I sunk on the sofa next to my mother.
“Delilah, thanks for calling, I’ve to go.” I pressed END and put my head between my knees.
“What is it, Melanie?” She rubbed my back in small circles.
I breathed in and out as the pressure of her hand relieved some tension. I swiped her Cosmo and downed it in one gulp, the alcohol making my head dizzy.
“I think I need some fresh air.” I got up to stroll around the lawn.
MY DAY KEPT GETTING worse. The two men admitted that they cut the fence. They claimed that someone paid their boss a lot of money or at least it was a lot of money for them. They were just the muscle, not the brains of the operation. Who hated me that much? I tried to call Melanie. Her phone rang a couple of times before going to voicemail, again. I tossed the phone across the seat before leaving my truck. Gaston and Belle hung their heads over the gate, nickering at me.
“Do you want to go for a ride?” I rubbed Gaston’s forehead. I saddled and bridled him before taking off at a high lope. Birds cawing in the distance, small animals scattered out from under us. Belle neighed and chased us through the fields. I looked over at her. I wished Melanie was riding, racing with me. The wind blew my hat off, tussled my hair. I leaned closer to Gaston’s neck as he lengthened out. His hooves thundering across the ground, jarring my teeth with every step, and his mane whipped back into my face as sweat flew off of his neck. He ran until we met the back fence where he sat on his hindquarters, sliding to stop inches from the barb wire fence. Both of us panting from the run as Belle galivanted around us, tossing her mane every which way.
“Good run.”
I patted his neck and we followed the fence line back to the barn with Belle in the lead. The moon oversaw us as we wove our way through the tall grass swaying in the breeze. The crickets chirped and cicadas buzzed. Woodsmoke floated in with the breeze. Someone must be smoking meat somewhere. I breathed in deeply. This was where I belonged. This was where I felt at home, but would it still be home without the woman I love here with me? The woman I love. The thought hit me hard. I did love her. I can’t imagine my life without her. The barn came into view. Nanna stood silhouetted in the barn door.
“Out for an evening ride.” She held out a carrot for each horse as they happily crunched on it.
“It was a perfect evening.” I slid the saddle off and ran the brush over Gaston’s gleaming coat. “I needed some time to think.”
“Ah,” she grabbed a brush to work on Belle.
“I think I messed up.” Gaston’s tail swished at a fly. “I didn’t tell Melanie that I was the owner of her shop.” I smacked the fly to kill it. “She thought it was Miss Elizabeth.”
“I see,” she ran a comb through Belle’s tail. “Why didn’t you tell her?”
“I didn’t think it was important. I wanted Miss Elizabeth to pick who used her shop.” We brushed the horses in silence for a few minutes. “Nanna, I love Melanie.”
“I know you do. It’s been obvious.”
“But,” I caught her gaze with mine. “What if she doesn’t want to live in Sunnydale? What would you do without me?”
Nanna patted my arm as she set her grooming tools down. “Your heart is in the right place. Don’t worry about me.”
“I,” my fingers ran through my hair, “might not be able to save the ranch.” Grief coursed through me. This was my grandfather’s legacy, but I knew in my heart I’d give it all up to be with her.
“Your grandfather would want you to be happy. Besides, Elizabeth and I could always get a small house in town together. I bet she’d like to be out of the nursing home.” She mumbled to herself. “It’ll all work out.” She turned to head to the house. “I made brownies. Come and get some when you’re done.”
I finished brushing out the horses, threw them some fresh cut hay, and fed the cows. An owl hooted in the distance as I made my way to the house to eat her brownies.
I KNEW WHAT I HAD TO do, but I didn’t want to make the call. I had paced the enormous rooms and hiked the grounds around the mansion. Finally, I dialed Pete’s number, hoping he didn’t answer. It was late after all, but he picked up on the second ring.
“Melanie,” He breathed into the phone.
“I have something I need to tell you but don’t be mad.” My body reeled at the sound of his voice. A pang of longing hit me. “I think I may know something about the men cutting your fences." Still silence. I began pacing to ease the nervousness in my stomach. "I think Vance was involved.”
“I did see him meet with a man in Cowboy’s the first night he was visiting you.”
“Do you think there is any way you could get a photo of that?”
“I think that they have cameras in the bar.”
“Perfect, I can stop this.” I was about to hang up.
“Wait, Melanie.” His voice cracked. “When are you coming home?”
“I don’t know, Pete,” as I hung up my heart breaking into pieces with everything I wanted to tell him, but couldn’t.
My email dinged the next morning. Pete sent the picture from the video feed of the security camera. It was in black and white and a tad bit grainy. Vance was sitting in a booth with a large man in a black leather jacket. Pete’s email stated that the man is a known trouble maker. The two men in the custody of the sheriff won’t confirm or deny that they are working for him; they received instructions and money in an envelope. I printed the picture off while getting ready for my day. I slipped my feet into black heels while looking at myself in the mirror. I fluffed my hair and swiped on one more layer of lipstick.
“Wow, you clean up good.” My mother whistled as she circled me. “The power suit looks fabulous on you.” I tugged at the hem of my light grey pencil skirt.
“Thanks, Mother.”
“He is not going to know what hit him.” She laughed. “Go girl power.” She pumped her fist in the air and jumped up and down in her silk kimono.
#####
THE OFFICE BUILDING sat in a ritzy part of the city, towering over the bagel and coffee shops on either side of it. I took the elevator up to the thirtieth floor. The stainless-steel door opened to a large room with marble floors and glass walls. The minimalist décor gave off a cold and unwelcome feeling.
“Can I help you?” The bored voice of Vance’s secretary broke my ruminations. “Oh, it’s you, Melanie. Haven’t seen you in a while.”
“I’ve been busy. I’m here to see Vance.”
“He’s in a meeting but should be done shortly.”
“I’ll just wait.”
She nodded at me. I found an uncomfortable chair next to the full-length window to read a magazine that I’d brought until he was ready to see me.
“Melanie.” His voice broke into my thoughts. He stood towering above me in an expensive black suit. His hands were in his pockets and his feet braced apart as waves of tension filled the air between us.
“Can we go somewhere to talk?” My voice firm and assertive even though I quaked on the inside.
“Follow me.” He helped me up, placed his hand at the small of my back, and led the way down a long narrow hallway to his corner office. The office walls were glass, giving an impressive view of the city.
“Just like being in a fishbowl,” I stated as he closed the door behind me.
“It is soundproof so no one can hear,” he winked at me and smiled a smile that gave me goosebumps. “Have you come to your senses?”
He settled into the chair behind the massive desk. I glanced at the chair across from him. It sat lower than his and there was no way I was going to sit below him. I leaned a hip against his desk, smiling at him. He sat back and crossed his arms.
“Babe, we can’t make up here. Everyone will see.” His slimy voice caused bile to rise in my throat.
“Oh, I am not worried about that.” I reached into my briefcase and slid a manila folder towards him. “We’re never going to get back together.”
I stood up and crossed my arms, staring him down. He opened the envelope and paged through the documents.
“Are you blackmailing me?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of that. I’m warning you. Leave Pete alone.”
“This is all circumstantial.”
“It might be, but it sure would ruin your reputation and your career. Imagine the gossip columns. ‘High powered lawyer picking on a poor Texan rancher all because the girl loved the rancher, not the lawyer’.” I framed the words like newspaper headlines. “Not a pretty picture, Vance. How will you ever be taken seriously in the courtroom?”
The silence was my answer.
“I closed our joint account. Here is your half of the money. The lease on the apartment is now your problem.” His face was grey as he looked at the cash. “Leave me alone. Leave Pete alone.” I spun on my heels and clipped my way to the elevator. The elevator doors closed that period of my life, never to be opened again.
#####
THE DESIGNS AND FABRIC samples for the San Antonio opera were laid out across the room. The windows were open, letting the warm summer air float through the house while the music for this particular opera filled the room. I hoped it would add inspiration to my designs. My mother tapped her manicured nail against one drawing as I chewed on the end of my charcoal pencil as she thought about colors and dresses.
“I think this one is perfect.” A wistful look crossed her eyes. “Your father and I saw this opera in Vienna. The lead wore a dress similar to this. It’d look stunning in that red.” She grabbed the red silk, stroking it softly.
“I think you might be right.” The opera and the characters were starting to take shape in my mind. “That’s going to be fabulous."
"Have you thought about the male lead? I think this dark grey would contrast nicely with the red dress.”
I scribbled her suggestions in my notebook. The butler came into the room.
“Excuse me,” he cleared his voice. “There is a Mister Pete Thompson here to see Miss Melanie.”
We shared a look. Stunned, I set my notebook down. My mother gulped the rest of her Cosmo.
“He’s in the foyer, Miss. I didn’t know if I should let him in.”
“Yes, that is fine.” I smoothed my hair and checked my teeth in the mirror. I couldn’t do anything about my clothes. They were the ratted blue jeans and oversized T-shirt. My mother flashed a brilliant smile at me.
“Just go talk to him.” She went back to studying my drawings.
I made my way to the front of the house. My heart crashed around in my chest, the air felt heavy, and my palms were clammy. I opened the oak door to the foyer. There Pete stood, examining a painting on the wall, while struggling to hold a wiggling Benny under his arm. He was dressed in crisp, clean blue jeans and a pressed western shirt. He looked amazing. The air whooshed out of my lungs as my knees knocked together. I held onto the doorframe to steady myself.
“Hey Pete,” My voice creaked as I closed the door behind me. I had a lot more to say but words had escaped me.
Pete turned toward the sound. A wide smile split his face. His eyes lit up as they roamed over my face. He set Benny on the floor as he crossed the foyer in long strides to sweep me up in his arms, pinning me to his chest. I hugged him back as fiercely as I could. He inhaled a deep breath before lowering me to the floor. Benny jumped and barked around us.
“I missed you.” His eyes held mine as he whispered. “I am truly sorry I didn’t tell you about the contract. I didn’t think it was a big deal at first. I didn’t think you’d care if I owned it and not Miss Elizabeth. I wasn’t sure you’d want to stay in Sunnydale, in the beginning. But as I fell in love with you, I couldn’t bring myself to tell you.” He pulled a large stack of paper from a bag and handed it to me. “I changed the clause to the lease being renewable with both parties’ agreement. I don’t care if the dress shop makes any money, I just want you to be happy. Can you ever forgive me?”
My world stopped as I nodded to his words, the papers fell from my fingertips. He had never said those words to me. The blood pounded in my ears. “You love me?”
“I have since the first day I laid eyes on you marching into town.” His smile made the butterflies jump in my stomach. He framed both of my hands with his rough, strong hands. “Without you in Sunnydale, the sun doesn’t shine and I’m lost without you. The past few days have been like living in a nightmare. I need you in my life. If that means we have to live in New York, I’m willing, because I’m not letting you go ever again.” Pete got down on one knee and produced a velvet box. Inside, sat a beautiful diamond solitaire. “Melanie, will you marry me?”
“Yes! I love you, too.” I framed his face with my hands and kissed him.
Cheers erupted from behind me as Benny howled. My mother toasted us before downing her glass.
#####
PETE HAD HIS ARM AROUND me as the three of us exited the airport in San Antonio. I stared at my ring, the sunlight reflecting off the many facets of the diamond.
“It’s so beautiful,” I whispered.
He pressed his lips to my forehead.
“Not as beautiful as the woman wearing it.”
Heat raced to my face as I turned to him and he wrapped me into an all-consuming embrace. He led me and Benny to where his truck was parked and helped me in, then threw our bags into the back of the truck. He expertly negotiated the traffic through the city until we were on Hwy Four headed back to Sunnydale.
“Pete,” I broke the silence. He glanced over at me before changing lanes. “I need to apologize about leaving.” He gripped my left hand in his free hand and squeezed it. “There was no reason for me not to believe you. You aren’t like Vance, and you don’t have a mean bone in your body. I should have listened to your reasons before becoming mad at you.”
“Why didn’t you call me back?”
“I was embarrassed about my actions.”
“It’s all right. We’re together in this.” He kissed my knuckles.
Sunnydale came up faster than I expected. He slowed down through town but did not turn on to Main Street.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” He squeezed my fingers again and drove for another twenty miles.
He turned onto a road that I didn’t recognize and pulled up to a little white church. The blood drained from my face and my stomach tied itself up into knots. There were cars and trucks parked all over the yard. A large white tent was set up behind the church with long tables and folding chairs. He pulled into the one spot close to the church and turned off the engine. Benny’s tongue lolled to the side as he excitedly took it all in.
“Are we getting married?” I squeaked through my tight throat.
“Not today, you don’t have a dress.”
A laugh bubbled up as he leaned across the seat to kiss me. I sank into the kiss, losing myself to it. His lips pressed into mine as his hand slid along the back of my head, tangling in my hair. My lips parted as his tongue deepened the kiss. He tilted my head and moved his other hand over my shoulders. A pounding on the window drew us apart, panting as we stared at each other. Delilah, Damien, Nanna, Miss Elizabeth, Mike, Deputy Mark, Lindsey, and what seemed like the rest of our town surrounded the truck.
“This is a welcome to Sunnydale and an engagement party.” He kissed me once more before exiting the truck.
He opened the door for me and helped me out. All of our friends and neighbors gathered around. Congratulations were given out, drinks flowed, and music played. A dance area was cleared as the stars came out. The band played a slow love song as I looked up into the eyes of the man that had the other half of my heart forever.